Skip to Content

On the Road Again | Moving to Virginia

Sharing is caring!

This has been a long process, to say the least. And I’ve had to keep things quiet for a bit but now we are free to announce: my family is moving to Virginia.

The sign is in the yard, all the papers are signed, and a new home a couple of thousand miles away awaits us.

And it has grass.

And a basement.

And I’m not quite sure how to express my love for both of these things coming from Arizona that had neither.

But first: we Disney. Twice.

Because… don’t y’all know me by now? Bahahahaha! Walt Disney World Marathon and the Light Side weekend are both smack dab in the middle of my moving plans. Naturally.

Not convenient, but that’s how life rolls sometimes.

I am sure there are some of you saying- wait, didn’t she JUST move to Arizona?

Sure. Three years ago.

To some, that’s a blink of the eye; to my husband and I it’s a super long time in the same place. That’s just how we are wired. Weird, right?

Why are we moving? Because there’s an excellent job opportunity waiting for Mr. Shenanigans and I’d never say no to a new adventure.

Well, that’s not true. If it had been a job in say, North Dakota, I’d probably have said, SEE YA and sent him on his way. I don’t do that kind of cold.

No offense ND, it’s not you, it’s all me. Big old weather wimp right here.

I don’t do any kind of cold, to be honest. And yep, I do know where Northern Virginia is located and just what happens there. It starts with Sno- and ends with me yelling NOPE and curling up in a basement next to a heater for three months out of the year.

So yeah, this is going to be fun, eh?

Look! I bought a hat. And a scarf. AND a coat. I’m totally (not) ready for this.

In the next couple months, you know, when I can breathe again, I’ll share more about this process. Because it’s been a process, y’all.

Some of you might be wondering what it’s like to move four kids cross country (again), and how exactly we are making it all work. Oh, and maybe just how monstrous we really are for making our kiddos move again.

Spoiler: this is My No-Guilt Life. We aren’t wracked by guilt, though of course, we aren’t immune to it either. There’s a smidge of that going on, of course! It’s never easy to see your kids hurting and sad.

But we aren’t monsters, and they are going to be fine. We can even make a case that it will make them better people (albeit sad ones for a little bit), but I’ll save that post for another time.

My kids are kind of cool and I’m so thankful for their resilience.

This was legit my Christmas “tree” this year. And they all posed for a picture with it. I so love them!

It’s a good story though, and I hope it helps other parents who are worried about how Big Scary Changes can affect their kids.

I kept a diary of sorts as to what was happening with us as we started planning this experience and when we finally get moved in, I’ll be sure to share it.

I hate saying goodbye as a general rule. We loved Arizona. There was family, there were friends who became family, and there was great weather and a fantastic running community. All good things and you’ll all be missed.

You most of all, Super Steph!

But there is so much to look forward to in Virginia.

Do you know how many of y’all live there?!

SO MANY FRIENDS. The internet: it’s the real deal, guys. I can’t tell you how helpful my friends online have been when I had all the questions about all the things in Virginia. Thank you, all of you, that were able to give suggestions and advice.

And I’m blessed to be moving within proverbial spitting distance of a couple of members of my tribe.

This is Karin, who I’ve known online for 12 years and who was instrumental in helping us find our new home. Internet friends are REAL!

 

Oh y’all. This right here? This is a trifecta of trouble just waiting to happen. MFP & LolaLambchops: things are going to HAPPEN.

Plus, guys, they have Target. A freaking TWO-STORY TARGET OMG I CAN’T EVEN OVER HERE.

AND a Chuy’s.

Really, what more can a TexZona gal ask for?

We have a busy few weeks ahead of us, and I plan to keep things updated on the blog. Come and check on me now and then, and ask for an update if things go quiet. Or yell at me to get packing.

Either one would probably be helpful.

But first: I’m going to Disney World!

 

Sharing is caring!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Tamieka

Monday 9th of January 2017

Wow!!

How exciting!! You all are so brave! I don't know if I could do it. I am so stuck in my comfort zone where I love now but maybe if the opportunity was AMAZING, I would move!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE the Christmas Tree!! so cute!! their faces...priceless!!

Good luck on your move!

Pam

Thursday 5th of January 2017

That's very exciting news Patty. We enjoyed Northern VA, but were only there two years. We moved Christine many times and she survived and turned into an awesome adult! Or at least this mama thinks so. And having DC close will be a great opportunity for everyone int he family. Next year your kids deserve a real Christmas tree though!

Kimberley

Thursday 5th of January 2017

I just want to know if you ever found the missing school pants!

patty

Thursday 5th of January 2017

Yes!!! A year later. I can't remember where they turned up but we did find them. And were no longer going to that school so you know: of course. Lol

Lesley

Wednesday 4th of January 2017

They have Chuy's?! I'm totally there! After moving to CO, I've already seen a Fuzzy's and Rusty Taco in the town my parents are building their townhouse, so I know I can get some tacos when I need them.

patty

Thursday 5th of January 2017

YES! Like 3 of them within a 20 mile radius. We ran around the house high-fiving over that fact.

MCM Mama Runs

Wednesday 4th of January 2017

Message me when and where and we'll get together for lunch once your kids are settled in. And they'll totally survive - I moved every 1-3 years of my life for the first 24 years of my life. Hope everything goes smoothly!

patty

Wednesday 4th of January 2017

Thank you- you know I will! Moving is hard but it's also got a lot of positives to it. See you soon Erika!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.